Bencotto Italian Kitchen Restaurant Review

: Located in the "Q" building in Little Italy, this sleek, contemporary restaurant bustles with diners enjoying the talents of chef Fabrizio Cavallini. Start with the risotto balls fried and infused with saffron and served with a Bolognese sauce for dipping. Selections of salumi come with warm gnocco fritto, lightly fried, puffed bread dough. Cream of zucchini and basil soup is a comforting choice, while the house salad shines with its mix of fresh greens, olives, goat cheese, green beans and beetroot. Guests are invited to create their desired plate of pasta by choosing a favorite sauce (pink pancetta, arrabiata, pesto and more) and style, from gnocchi verdi (handmade spinach and potato dumplings) to tagliatelle, and everything in between. The oven-baked lasagna alla Bolognese is a hearty house favorite. Affable owners Guido Nistri and his wife, Valentina di Pietro, have created two gems in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood: Bencotto and sister restaurant Monello, located next door.